Tuesday, August 26, 2014

This video is apparently a proof of concept presented to Stan Sakai, to secure the movie rights to Usagi Yojimbo.

A DVD is planned, from what I hear -- but what would help is to spread this video to others (so possible investors) can see it.

This looks like it would be a fantastic way to introduce Usagi Yojimbo to a wider audience. I sure hope it's successful!

BTW - Senso, issue #2, comes out September 3ed (I'm very much looking forward to the continuation of H.G. Wells' aliens landing in Usagi's Japan)

I also wanted to point out, for anyone interested, there is a FANTASTIC VIDEO, of Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai going over the history of 47 Ronin, and their work on their own rendition of the famous story. It's really fascinating!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

One interesting thing to note about Usagi Yojimbo is that for many fans - their first exposure to the Samurai Rabbit came from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

You see, Peter Laird and Stan Sakai were friends -- and their respective characters launched around the same time. This self portrait of the two illustrates their friendship, and occasional crossover with their characters.

The first cross-over between the characters occurred in Usagi Yojimbo #10 (Volume 1). It was a short back up tale - and featured Leonardo and Usagi crossing paths, and teaching Usagi a lesson about respecting everyone.

Usagi made his transition to television for the first time in the original TMNT TV series. Two episodes guest starred the rabbit - though they mistakenly named him "Usagi Yojimbo", instead of his real name as "Miyamoto Usagi". Outside of independent comic fans, his appearance here was probably what made most people aware that Usagi Yojimbo existed. He even received two action figures (a normal one, and a Space Usagi toy) - both with wildly different interpretations of what Usagi really looked like. The regular Usagi figure was apparently one of the most sought after characters (besides the Turtles themselves) on store shelves!

The next cross-over between Miyamoto Usagi occurred in his newly rebooted second volume, with a three-part storyline. (These issues where in color, at the time; though reprints of this story, in Volume 8 "Shades of Death", the story is in black and white)

Usagi and his bounty hunter friend Gen, becomes engaged in protecting a wizard from the Neko Clan of Ninja. Note; the wizard looks conspicuously like Splinter! Fearing that two Samurai would not be enough to protect him and the village he lives in, baby Turtles are brought to him -- which the Wizard uses to summon...

...The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Not just Leonardo, but the whole group appear in Usagi's world. The brothers are amazed in be in ancient Japan - though confused as to why everyone are anthropomorphic animals. Leonardo is at least able to vouch for Usagi.

So the Turtles help protect the wizard, defeating the Neko Clan Ninja's ambitions, and eventually returning home. It was a wonderful 3-part story; and I hope helped bolster Usagi's name to new readers through use of the popular Turtles.

In 2003, Peter Laird helped develop a new, more serious, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show -- which, like in the late 80s and early 90s, would once again feature Usagi Yojimbo as a guest star. This time, however, Usagi would be in a much more serious storyline than from his appearance in the old cartoon show.

Traveling to another world, the Turtles are exposed to the Multiversal "Battle Nexus Championship". In a spectacular 4-part episode, we're shown how the Battle Nexus Championship brings people from all across the multiverse to participate in a grand battle of skill and honor. Evil trappings are afoot, though, as the Turtles become embroiled in an attempt to take over the Championship. This is where Leonardo and Usagi Yojimbo meet, helping each other foil the plot of the villains.

This depiction of Usagi was simply done perfectly! Gen likewise guest starred in the episode, further fleshing out Usagi's own world to new fans.

The Turtles and Usagi would meet again, though, when the villains from the Championship return - sending the 4 Ninja Turtles across the Multiverse! Leonardo lands in Usagi's world -- and we are treated to an awe-inspiring actual episode based in Usagi's world.

Characters like Tomoe, Lord Noriyuki, and the evil Lord Hebi are featured. Its even noted that Ninja, (like real Ninja in history) are usually not to be trusted; Ninja and Samurai are like oil and water.

During the course of the 4th season of the 2000 Ninja Turtles series, Leonardo faces a harsh blow from the Shredder - which leaves him in an emotional tailspin. Sensing his son needs the help of a friend, Splinter uses the Battle Nexus Tournament gateway to recruit Usagi - and bring him to the modern world. Its a fun episode - showing Usagi and Gen seeing a world they could never have imagined.

They even make use of Gen, a Rhino, and dress him up like Rocksteady from the old cartoon! Sadly, Usagi's visit wasn't enough to bring Leonardo out of the depression.

Plans where made, during TMNT: Fast Forward series, to have a cross over with Space Usagi (a future version of Usagi Yojimbo). Since Fast Forward didn't continue further, those plans went undeveloped.

That was the last time TMNT and Usagi Yojimbo crossed over. I sure hope it isn't the last! Stan Sakai has been asked wether Usagi might appear in the new Nickelodeon TV series - but it sounds like there would be issues with contracts, and it simply isn't a possibility.

It is worth noting, though, that the recent TMNT movie featured a small reference to Usagi Yojimbo. When mentioning the drug trails, the Turtles where experimented on, it was referenced that bunnies where first used (in reference to the close date Usagi appeared in comics, shortly before TMNT debuted.)

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Usagi Yojimbo is a fantastic series - blending the best parts of American storytelling, and Japanese setting. Created by Stan Sakai, over 30 years ago, the Rabbit Bodyguard Miyamoto Usagi, is loosely based after real life Samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thoroughly researched, the stories of Usagi Yojimbo detail elements, both major and mundane, of Japanese history and culture. It was a fantastic learning experience - all while being entertained by the hero of the book on his adventures.

Usagi Yojimbo has been on hiatus for 2 years, while Stan illustrated the epic comic "47 Ronin". Now, finally, Usagi is back -- and he's coming back in a HUGE way, with a special mini-series called Senso (War). This mini-series is unique and exciting - as it features a story where, it's posited, what if Aliens from H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds landed in Japan first - during Usagi's time period. Its a wacky, but extremely fun premise, which shocked me to see! A space ship crash lands, during an epic war, in Feudal Japan!

As if that wasn't exciting enough - Senso also shifts 20 years into Usagi's future. He is now once again a full Samurai, serving under the Geishu Clan - leading their army. Gen, another former Ronin Bounty hunter also acts as a general for the Geishu Clan. Usagi's son Jataro (who supposedly doesn't know Usagi is his father) also serves as a Samurai in the war. All these revelations -- it's mindboggling to me, who's been reading the series on and off for years -- seeing the Wandering Ronin Samurai, suddenly engaged in a massive war again.

The proper Usagi Yojimbo (without aliens) will return after the Senso Mini-series concludes. It's a wonderful series, and I hope if you interested, to visit a comic store and check it out. (They might have to order the series for you, though; the series isn't always heavily ordered. BUT - books and volumes are ALWAYS available on Amazon, and other book carriers.)

The Sakai Project is a wonderful outpouring of help and support from the Comic Community, when Stan Sakai's wife fell ill, and they needed help with medical costs not paid for by insurance. Comic creators from all over contributed artwork, to sell on ebay -- and so much art work was given, they decided to create a Hardcover volume, showcasing the artwork.

The volume, though, ISN'T available on Amazon.com, or other major retailers. You have to order it through specialty comic stores. Most have probably already ordered their copies -- so online stores are the best bet. I bought mine here, at Dreamlandcomics.

All proceeds of the book go directly into a fund, to help with care for Stan's ailing wife. Thats why Amazon doesn't carry it; Darkhorse Comics wanted all proceeds to go directly into the fund. If you want to help support Mr. Sakai, ordering the book certainly helps. Reading Usagi Yojimbo, and buying issues or volumes, probably helps too ^_^

I really look forward to seeing the amazing artwork from all these generous creators.

Watching and enjoying the current TMNT series on Nickelodeon, I've been interested to see interviews with the cast and crew. Luckily Youtube has some great cast interviews, some of which I'd like to direct you to.

Friday, August 15, 2014

I've always considered Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to be a very American property. Not just American -- but definitively American -- as it details that central American dream, that if you create something that is great, or people want, and you work hard enough -- you can find success through that creation. Add to that, the idea that this property began as a satyrical parody, of Daredevil, Ninjas, and Mutants -- but from that, it quickly became a theme and story unto itself. It became a modern day mythology -- and through care and attention it has retained its popularity through not one, not two, but now 3 generations of kids and adults -- with an appeal that can shift gears between a wide variety of fans and tastes.

With the new Ninja Turtles film in theaters, it seems like a perfect time for the release of two INCREDIBLE Documentary experiences! One, a Hardcover Volumes called "TMNT The Ultimate Visual History", and the other a long awaited DVD Documentary "Turtle Power The Definitive History of TMNT". Both are incredible products, that I highly urge anyone interested in the history of this franchise, to pick up. (Both are well priced; $13 at Target for the DVD, and around $30 on Amazon for the book; it costs $50 in stores.)

Turtle Power The Definitive History of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

This documentary takes us on a tour all the way to beginning of the TMNT history, beginning with that original sketch Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman drew, simply trying to amuse themselves. Through a slew of interviews and home video, we are shown a near step-by-step process of how the original comic came to be, how it began to be a financial successes -- and most importantly, how it became an international phenomenon.

I hesitate to say this, but I came away from the documentary with the feeling that, in some way, God wanted this franchise to happen. There where simply so many aspects, and details, that could have easily derailed the entire process of the series becoming popular. From how Kevin Eastman meet Peter Laird, to the action figure line, to the TV show -- and even after all of that, things like the original TMNT movie, aiming for a more mature version of the Turtles, having the right director, funding, technology, ect, ect -- all of which succeeded in taking the franchise beyond anything their creators could have hoped for or envisioned.

The documentary happily gathered up all the original voice actors of the original cartoon series. Even James Avery (who played Shredder, and Philip Banks in "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air") was able to be filmed here, before his death last year. Getting to see the people behind those voices is quite a treat, and one of the highlights of the film.

For anyone who lamented a lack of special features on the original TMNT movie DVD release -- take heart, here we are treated to a plethora of behind the scenes information. The Jim Henson puppetry, which was breaking new ground with these animatronic suits, managed to bring the Turtles to life in a way never before thought possible. These suits enabled the film to show emotive, responsive faces of the Turtles, while also being versatile enough to do action sequences involving martial arts. We found out how the production managed to be able to funded, and other aspects to the film.

What disappointed me, and what became a real failing of the film nearing the end, is the LACK of attention of the later movies -- the sequel, third film -- and not even a mention of the 4th CGI film. I was particularly taken aback that the TMNT cartoon show from 2000 was never mentioned, much less the current one - which easily could have extended the documentary happily for another half hour. Instead we are treated to a sappy song, detailing the estrangement between Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, with their eventual reunion for an Anniversary of the franchise. No info about the 2000 series, the current 2012 series -- or even the slump TMNT experienced in the late 90s, with Image Comics. Peter Laird's 4th Volume of TMNT black and white comic was briefly expounded upon.

Don't get me wrong - this is still a worthwhile, and MUST HAVE documentary for TMNT fans. I'm just saying, the ending really, really, was bad. I know everything can't be included in a single documentary -- but the ending of this film could have been SOOOO much better, if only the recent, and current TMNT history was taken into account and celebrated, like the rest of the history was.

TMNT The Ultimate Visual History

I haven't been able to read through all of this yet, but for now I merely wish to give you my impression of this book, which I received in the mail, and am astonished by the amount of content included in this book! For everything that was lacking in the ending the Turtle Power Documentary -- this book seems to step in and give you EVERYTHING about the Turtles history!

This 192 volume encompasses all of TMNT history, from the beginning, all the way to the current cartoon and newly released movie. While this might be dubbed a Visual History -- it's not a tomb light on text. I expect to be reading through it for quite a while. I've heard that it's been well and thoroughly researched, and it shows, mere by inclusion of the inserts.

These inserts, which litter the book, include reproduced documents from all areas of Turtle history. I didn't want the inserts to interrupt my reading -- so I peeled mine out (be care doing it, though!!!) There is thankfully a pouch, at the back of the book, where all these many, many, MANY scraps of paper can be included. The pouch at the back also includes a fold out poster (of the cover of the book), along with a reproduction of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first issue!!! The paper quality and durability of the inserts and poster are above reproach, too.

My only complaint, though, is that the included comic is smaller than the average comic. I'm unsure -- wasn't the original issue #1 a little larger than the average comic? Unless I'm mistaken about that, I really think the issue could have been produced (and fit along with this book) at standard comic size.

That is a small gripe, though. This is really a splendid volume, encompassing all the history of TMNT. I love that all the movies are paid attention too. Even the bad history, like the third TMNT movie (Can someone tell me why that movie is hated so much?), the Image Comics run, or the Next Mutation TV series are all detailed here.

There are so many interesting things, just from flipping through the book initially. Here (above) you can see drawings of what April O'Neil could have looked like, in the current TMNT series. I also noted a picture, about the current TMNT movie, showing the character Eric Sacks wearing a gauntlet of the Shredder (fueling, again, speculation that he originally was going to be the Shredder, in the movie).

This is simply an astounding value, (especially if you order it online, saving $20) -- and, along with the DVD film, should be considered a Must Have for collectors and fans.

The Turtle Blimp was a unique toy, to tie into the TMNT universe. Even when I was little, with the cartoony TV show -- it was an icon of the vehicle line they had available, which was doubly reinforced because they actively used it for transportation on the TV show. I never owned the original toy -- but that nostalgia bug, from the old TV show, drew my attention to it -- it seemed like a fun thing to pick up when I found it on sale at Target.

The package it comes in is deceptively small when compared to the size of the actual blown up vehicle.! There is some work to put the toy together -- it's suggested you plug the balloon into the toy base before you blow it up, including the wings on each side. I initially had to detach, reattach, and detach again all of these parts, because I accidently put pieces on backwards. Here are some tips when putting it together:

- Make sure the balloon head is facing towards the front of the vehicle.
- For the wings -- a good guide to putting them on is to check wether the wings are slightly pointing downwards. The smaller wings go on the front - while the larger ones go on the back.
- Before blowing the balloon up, make sure all the strings are not crossing back and forth over the top of the bottom vehicle.
- If you don't have a pump, give yourself a lot of time to breath into the balloon. It takes a lot of effort to inflate the entire thing.

For young kids, this toy is going to be a blast. For only $30, it delivers a lot of fun. Using action figures with it, you can repel your Turtle toys down along a line -- they have clips to hold them in place, until they need to repel down. The string does not reach very far, though. Also, of note, to use the repelling feature - you have to connect the Turtle toy to the back of their waist bands (where their weapons are holstered). I found it hard to use on, for example, the Battle Shell Raphael - because his Sai holster is so small. Also -- this was designed mainly with the Turtles repelling down in mind; the Casey Jones, or April figures would be too skinny to clip into the holders.

To help negate potential breaks, with rough play or an accident, clear stickers are provided, to patch up any holes in the balloon; though it initially seems very sturdy and well put together.

For a display piece -- you have to make sure you'll have space to park this vehicle - as its size is quite big. Sitting down, the clipped in Turtles hang nicely - while the vehicle seat provides enough room for different sized figures (either Casey Jones, or one of the Turtles), with a movable steering wheel.

The design of the Blimp is probably the best part -- taking elements from the old blimp, and cleverly using them in this new design. Notice, also, that from above the blimp turns into the shape of a Turtle, flippers and all!

Its ultimately a silly toy -- heck, a silly concept, which I'm curious how they will justify it's existence if they have it appear in the new TV series. Yet its a fun nostalgia trip, and a cheap enough one that I thought I'd take the plunge and pick it up. Its not a "Must Have" item, though.

Also - remember - to keep the box it came in! When you want to store it away, I imagine deflating the balloon will be easier to do than inflating it - and should be able to re-folded, and be put away for storage.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

I mentioned here, on a post about the new Nickelodeon TMNT show, that I've become quite taken with the TV series. So much so, that I've taken to collecting some of the better action figures they have to offer. Well - I think my search down the toy isles has ended for the time being - because I got two of the end-all, be-all TMNT toys. Here, I thought I'd review them for you.

Shellraiser

I picked up the Shellraiser, hoping it would work well as a display piece for my Turtle figures. I was a little disappointed by the lack of chairs on it (but, you know, the chairs are inside, with few windows, so it doesn't matter much). I was expecting to be let down in some way by this toy. I love the Shellraiser on the TV show; I think it's a great vehicle for the Turtles. Yet how did it translate as a toy?

Pretty darn well. I'm an adult collector, and even for me a smile comes across my face when using the spinning Turtle feature. It takes a little time to wind it up correctly - but when it pops out and spins the Turtle about, it's really fun! The front door opens, with a peg for a turtle to stand on - giving it an instant display option, with a character armed at the firing projectile cannon on top as well. There is no stand inside for the cannon wielder to stand on - but the Turtles arms balance nicely enough to keep them propped up with the cannon. Characters can also be placed alongside the railings on the sides of the roof as well.

With the stickers applied well, the toy looks really awesome! Kids will love this item, and collectors can use it for both display purposes -- but also for storage as well, as more than 5 or 6 figures can be stuffed inside when not in use.

Warning, though; the stickers take some skill to place correctly (especially the lights on the back, which you should use a pen, or something skinny, to help apply them correctly. Fingers will not fit, to put them in well.) Kids should have their parents help them; there are a lot of stickers.

For $35, its really a great toy!

Sewer Lair Playset

This item here, though, is the big one to talk about. Costing $100, and clocking in at a little over 40 inches tall. I actually feel a little embarrassed, by how massive in size this toy is. I primarily bought it because I thought it would be good for showcasing my TMNT action figures. It does that, indeed -- but it's sheer size is quite ridiculous. While I felt elated about how cool the Shellraiser is, the Sewer Playset feels more like an an albatross I can't get rid of. It was fun putting it together -- and it can be stored on a large enough shelf nicely -- but, MAN, this thing is still freaking HUGE! On my shelf it climes up towards the ceiling with ease.

This is still a cool toy set - but there were some definite problems potential buyers need to be aware of. First off - the instruction really stink. Mine at least didn't come with any kind of sticker guide; I was able to deduce (and use the internet) to figure out where most stickers needed to go; but this was entirely a trying endeavor to get right. Also - unlike with the Shellraiser, the stickers are much less forgiving, and can rip easily - and won't easily be stuck, or restuck, in the process of positioning them accurately.

Kids, I think, will have a ball with this toy set. But only if they are able to treat it nicely. Too much rough play can easily make it come apart. Not to say it's very loose -- buy moving it from the floor, to the shelf, requires some care. The action features are nice, with some great play value. Trap doors, ladders, elevator, Computer room, tire swing, ooze drain -- a lot of stuff is included with this playset.

I haven't done it yet myself - but I'm fairly certain you can detach and disassemble the entire structure - to be stored back in the box. (SAVE that box! Otherwise, this albatross will have to be put in the corner, fully assembled, to gather dust)

One good thing about the playset is that TMNT figures, new and old, can be used in it. Scale might be different between figure lines - but this playset it large enough you can get away with a larger TMNT figure putting up their feet in the Turtle's home.

Warning -- parents -- remember, you're going to have to help kids put this thing together! Collectors -- make darn sure you know where, and how, you are going to display or store this thing. It's HUGE. (If that hasn't already been made clear.)

I grew up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I got the toys, the TV show was on the air -- it all feel into place as a major part of my childhood experience. What has delighted me over the years, growing up, has been finding out the different, more mature, version of the Turtles. There was the grim and gritty comic books, which inspired the franchise to begin with -- which was nicely complimented with a more comic-accurate TV series in 2000.

When Peter Laird sold the franchise over to Nickelodeon, I didn't know what to expect. I had been enjoying the 4th volume of TMNT, by Laird, but was saddened to see it end prematurely because of the sale to Nickelodeon. (BTW -- Just to let you know, Laird released a free digital edition of issue #32, finally continuing the saga! You have to do some work, to make the pages and images work for you. I changed mine to a PDF, and uploaded it to the free GrassComics Reader App. Just remember to number pages 1-(1-9), 2-(1-9), and so on. Otherwise the pages get out of order. Check out his blog for any future issues!)

ANYWAY -- there did seem to be some hope. A new TMNT Comic continuity was begun with IDW Comics. Its been fun, but I haven't followed it consistantly.

Then, of course, there is the new cartoon - airing on Nickelodeon. I have to admit, I was not into it at first. Everything seemed too quick paced, too goofy, ect. It felt like going backwards - instead of the more mature Turtles, I felt like I was being given cartoony Turtles once again.

Strange thing happened, though -- I had some episodes sitting on my DVR for the longest time. I suddenly got the urge to try an episode out once again. It featured Karai, Shredder, and the Krangg -- with a question of wether the Turtles could trust Karai or not. Something just sort of clicked for me. I don't know if it was the more action packed, more serious events in the episode -- but I was suddenly enjoying this. A quick trip to Target, I bought out their Turtle DVDs -- which nicely have the first season and half of the second season on sale.

Now I suddenly see the show in a new light. Yes - it is more goofy than the old Turtles. I simply was letting my pre-concieved notions, of what I wanted in a TMNT series, to cloud my judgement about what this show was offering. And boy, this show is offering a LOT!

For starters -- the character designs are really inspired. The Turtles mix a level of anime into their design, with bright colorful eyes, and personality skewed faces. The added bandages to their get-up seemed strange at first -- but I now realize how seemless that edition was to the characters -- improving the look and style with a subtle addition like that. There are also things, like the thunder bolt on Raph's chest, which really just draws you into the character's design, becoming a focal point/seemless accent woven into the character's personality.

The series does get goofy (sometimes too goofy, coming from Michelangelo, most annoyingly) - but there is geniune humor in all the characters.

The voice acting, also, is above-top notch. Andrea Romano, of the famed Batman and DC TV series, casts the voices -- so I implicitly trust her decisions. Seth Green is due to take over the role of Leonardo in season 3 - which I was initially concerned about; but I simply trust that the transition will be smooth and painless. (Any time Jason Biggs hasn't voiced Leonardo, I simply wouldn't have realized it if not for knowing about his absence.) The funniest one of them all has to be Rob Paulson. He played Raphael in the original series, but is now playing the voice of Donnie. What an inspired choice -- I mean, REALLY! He does the character such justice, and makes me care for all of Donnies' failing and foibiles in the TV show.

What has surprised me, also, has been the level of darkness, undercutting the series, here and there. There are some darn tragic figures in the series -- like Pulverizer, who douses himself with Mutagen, only to become a horrific ball of goo. April O'Neil's father is mutated into a horrific bat creature (and only happening after a year-long spell of captivity by the Krangg.) The darkest part, though -- has to go to the Shredder. They don't go into details, but he's responsible for the death of Splinter's family, nearly killing Splinter - and WORSE! I don't want to spoil the reveal, of what Shredder did - but it was really twisted, and adds a really henious level of villainy to the character. Sometimes I think the series goes too far with these tragidies -- but, I suppose, its well enough balanced for kids to see.

What is also fun about the TV series, I've quickly found, is the tie-in toys! The playmates line of figures offer up some really great figures, especially for $9-10, which is MOST appreciated, given the high cost of action figures these days. You do, however, have to pick and choose which figures are the best to buy. The TV show does have quite a bit of product advertising -- but it mostly revolved around vehicles that are useful to the TMNT group. The Shellraiser is my favorite - both in and off the show, as the vehicle makes a great display piece along with the figures.

I think I've made it pretty clear, I feel right into this series, head first. Its just been a spectacular bright spot, getting invested and into the series, these past few weeks.

I urge any TMNT fan, who didn't give the series a chance, to try it again. Its not the same Turtles as before. But, like I've spoken about before, different versions of the TMNT can happily co-exist. Appreciate this series for what it is; not what you wish it might have been. You'll simply have a lot of fun if you give it a try.

Friday, August 8, 2014

My family got a surprise invitation from our movie theater - for a free screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A lot of people came, and we where all given Turtle 3D Glasses, with different colors. Those glasses simply DID NOT fit. I had to get regular glasses for my entire family. Still, they made it a fun event -- giving away a free poster to us.

The movie was good. Not great, not spectacular - but it also wasn't the trainwreck I was expecting. I came into this movie with a lot of mixed feelings. The new look of the turtles jarred me, and my antipathy towards Megan Fox, playing the usual "down to earth" April O'Neil, was by Fox's mere presence, altered the character in a negative way. I kept saying that no amount of special effects where going to make me believe she was a news reporter.

While I came with a lot of negativity, I actually went into the theater excited and hopeful that they might manage to do the Turtles justice. I knew it wasn't going to be like the Jim Henson forged puppets of 1990 - but maybe this new version would do well enough. I was quite looking forward to the film at this point, and was rooting for it to succeed.

They actually did manage to get the look of the Turtles right. Once you see them in motion, they appear much more believable. Their appearance seems to come strait from Michael Ziulli's TMNT story "Soul's Winter" (shown above)- with over-sized shells, and bulging musculature - this style attempted to go more realistic (as realistic as walking, talking Turtles CAN be), and it should be considered a success; a stylized success - but a success nonetheless. Each Turtle comes adorned with detail all over their body and costume.

My favorite turned out to be Raphael - as he practically had masking tape on his shell, which at one point in the film fractures. His attitude, speech, and method of fighting all seemed to come right from the comics.

Leonardo sports a slight samurai-style, leading the team, and fighting with his twin katanas. While his character is straight-laced, his personality is not dull. I wish there was more indication of him fighting with Raph - but by the end of the movie they make a solid connection together as brothers.

Michelangelo had the most relaxed attitude of the Turtles, but came across as rather creepy (to me, at least), as he kept making inappropriate sexual jokes towards April. The audience seemed to enjoy it, but it seems out of place in a film seen by young children.

Donatello's style, though, is the one that disappoints me the most. Not only do they layer him in gadgets, gear, and computers - but they also include glasses. Add to that a squeaky voice, it seemed like they where trying to tell us, at every available opportunity, that Donnie is a nerd. A real big nerd! My sister found it charming -- but I rather resented it.

Splinter turned out quite well, being voiced by Tony Shalhoub. The voice was good -- but it sounded so much like actor Jeffrey Combs, that I was convinced it was him until I saw the actual credits. The character came across as charming and caring towards the Turtles - and his interaction with April was nicely done.

As for April.... I already told you I didn't appreciate Megan Fox being cast in this part - and while she did a passable job in the film, it didn't change my opinion of her as an actor. She was more or less scatter-brained during the film -- even when she was actually onto something, she went about it in such a bad manner that she ended up making a mess of her life. I actually liked the backstory, connecting her with the Turtles -- but beyond that, I still felt like it was a passable, if not mediocre performance. Not that Michael Bay and crew where giving her golden material to begin with...

Ads for this film completely mislead people into thinking that industrialist Eric Sax, in the film, was the Shedder. Thankfully that was not the case -- as the Shedder was more or less a faceless (but, thankfully, Japanese) figurehead and dark mastermind of the film. What bothered me, though, was the motivation the Shredder had, for wanting to expose New York to a mutagen bomb. It was a paper-thin plot, which could have been developed further with some added history, or dialogue - but it ultimately was a "because we're evil" kind of plot, which does a great disservice to such a fantastic character. His armor was well realized - and his fighting style thankfully involved martial arts, instead of him just being some kind of transformer.

Karai, Shredder's second in command, managed to give the Foot Clan some Ninja Credibility, even though they where ultimately gun-toting thugs. Seeing the Turtles face against actual Ninjas would have been a lot more fun, though.

Being done by Michael Bay and team, I have to say this film sort of falls in the same category his Transformer films are in -- they are fun, but ultimately forgettable. I would recommend this movie for any young kids (any inappropriate jokes would go over their heads), and adults will probably enjoy it as well. Even TMNT fans should try it - they should at least know what the buzz was about. Its a fun movie - but nothing beyond that.